Writing Centre

Fabrication, as defined by Georgian College's (n.d.) academic integrity regulations, is:

"falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic work or program and employment documentation" (section 8.2.2).

Examples of fabrication include:

• creating a citation and reference for a resource that doesn't exist, that you didn't look at, or didn't really use in your assignment
• creating or falsifying personal information such as criminal record check, clinical permits or other paperwork needed to fulfill academic or work requirements
• inventing data or changing results to complete a lab report or experiment
• forging a signature or creating fake documents

Tip:

Generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Bard, and more) have been known to fabricate sources and information, which is sometimes referred to as a hallucination (MIT Sloan Teaching & Learning Technologies, 2024). Always ensure you have permission to use these and check the output generated carefully to avoid introducing fabricated information/evidence into your work.

Watch the following video, created by students, to get a better understanding of Fabrication and Breaches of Academic Integrity.

Video source: Liam P. IUPUI. (2017, August 1). Academic integrity fabrication [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Cfg3IrzEN50

Avoid putting yourself in a situation where you may need to fabricate information, data, research sources or documentation:

• Develop time management skills to ensure you have enough time to complete academic work, research and experiments
• Cite & reference all materials you use in your academic work
• Connect with your professor in advance of due dates if you don't feel you can complete your work on time
• Connect with college supports if you are having trouble getting the documentation you need for coop or another placement opportunity
• Get help at the Math Centre, Writing Centre, Language Help Centre or Research Help
• Get help from a tutor or your student success advisor

Penalties for Breaches of Academic Integrity range in severity, depending on the situation and the number of prior breaches.

The initial penalties for breaches of academic integrity at Georgian College may include:

• verbal warning
• resubmitting work
• mark of zero in the work involved

Depending on the breach, your professor may also ask you to complete additional academic integrity training, attend a workshop or seek individual help to ensure that you can learn from the mistake and move on to be successful in your future assignments.

Breaches of Academic Integrity are recorded by the Registrar's office.

After one or more offences, penalties increase in severity and may also include:

• mark of zero in the course (after multiple offences)
• suspension from the college for one or more semesters
• dismissal from program or college for varying periods of time

Review the Georgian College Academic Integrity Regulations for full details about academic integrity and breaches, including definitions, policies and procedures, and consequences.